TBAI/TBHP-catalyzed [3 + 2]cycloaddition/oxidation/aromatization cascade and online ESI-MS mechanistic studies: synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-<i>a</i>]isoquinolines and indolizino[8,7-<i>b</i>]indoles

Abstract

A facile [3 + 2]cycloaddition/oxidation/aromatization cascade reaction for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-<italic>a</italic>]isoquinolines and indolizino[8,7-<italic>b</italic>]indoles has been developed by employing <italic>tert</italic>-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI).